Thursday, August 18, 2011

Why Vacations Are Important

If you ask me, travelling has very little to do with the destination. It's much more about the transformation that happens inside: shedding the stress, recharging your soul and discovering who you are.

(Camden, Maine, August 2011)

We all want to live a simple life. Most of us do not (myself included). But if we're lucky, we can visit places that remind us to keep striving for one.

* * * * *

Stage One: Letting Go

(Camden, Maine)

The lake was called Megunticook, the hideaway was called Crane Island and there was just one cottage on it, accessible by boat during daylight hours. When our friends invited us to come stay with them, there was only one possible answer.

(Crane Island, Maine. August 2011)

It was a strong-minded house, built of wood and stone, nestled in a thicket of pointed firs and positioned on the bow of the island like a figurehead on a ship.

Inside, the sofas were plaid, the rugs were braided and the walls were knotty. So delightfully quaint did it feel that if Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney had suddenly tripped into the room mid-song, no one would have batted an eye.

Every day was a reminder of how little you needed to be happy.

Water + fake mustaches = "Mom, that was the bestdayever."

There was a long dock that could be used as -- take your pick -- a departure point for adventure or a meditation platform for lazing and gazing.

On our last night, we ate dinner cross-legged on the dock and talked until the sky became thoughtful with clouds.

The sun sank behind the trees, there was time for one final swim...

...and then the stars blinked on, illuminating the night with possibility.

pve, I agree whole heartedly. The Europeans have it all over us as far as vacations are concerned. It is so important to charge the batteries. P.S. I fondly remember charging across the water in a motor boat from Dark Harbor to the Bay View Street Garage in Camden to dance the night away!

Lisa, I can't believe you went to Lake Megunticook! I spent a few magical summers there in a lobsterman's cabin with friends, splashing about in the cold water and cooking over campfires and telling stories... no electricity, just sheer old fashioned make up your own fun! And that seems terribly important these days, especially for kids. Glad you had such a marvelous time!

Gosh, can you believe I've never been to Maine? Growing up just a few hours from it? The places you miss that are so close, never cease to amaze me. This post was absolutely stunning and I wanted to jump inside the pictures like Mary Poppins and Bert.

Lily: Of COURSE you've been there. I would expect nothing less. And a lobsterman's cabin -- how cool is that?! And yes, yes, making up your own fun is a sadly dwindling occupation these days, it seems.

Penelope: Hear, hear. xx

Jennifer: But you can "travel" just as far in your back garden, I think, don't you? It's really a state of mind.

It was my first trip to Maine and I LOVE that so many of you have been there -- it's like the Land that Time Forgot. :)

I'm still giggling, out loud mind you...over the moustachioed water boys...definitely another *framer*!You described traveling's restorative powers so well. The idea of soaking in other atmospheres and allowing those places to renew and enhance our souls is what it's all about...and you've done this in spades Lisa...and it shows! I just loved the Americana feeling of this trip...vintage summer perfection.And I'm with Patricia...August off should be manditory...sign me up!xo J~

Do we know the same people?? We were just invited to Camden to stay with friends in October. House on a lake! Which lake, I don't know, but I cannot wait. Fair Isle jumpers and wellies! And is that fabulous book store still there?

I need a vacation NOW, very badly! New premie, twin granddaughters, a son and daughter-in-law moving to Philadelphia for seminary, homeschooling a 13-year-old, a 26-year-old son out of work and moving back home....help!

Oh Lisa - you have found another "Yell". I am sure you could yell all you wanted on this island. The mustaches are hilarious. You son has a great sense of humour.The feast on the dock looks delicious.Wishing you a weekend full of joyHelen xx

What a truly lovely break from regular life... The photo of the boys, wind whipping through their hair, mustaches in all their glory, hints to me of 1980s adventure/drama programs. "Miami Vice" comes directly to mind--hilarious!